Expand the certifications
Venkat K
Hi Schoolhouse Team,
I am writing to propose a feature that would improve accessibility for prospective tutors.
Currently, to tutor subjects like History, Computer Science, or SAT Prep, we are often required to provide proof of external test scores (like official AP exams or SAT results). However, these tests are expensive, and many students who are proficient in the material cannot afford to take them.
I suggest that Schoolhouse expand its internal certification model—similar to how we currently verify Math proficiency via Khan Academy—to include these other subjects. Creating a "Schoolhouse Certification" for History, CS, and SAT would allow talented tutors to prove their knowledge without the financial barrier of official standardized testing.
This would open the door for many proficient students who lack the funds for exams but have the knowledge to help others. Thank you for considering this!
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Angela H
Completely agree! This would also benefit students who can't take the AP test yet
Benjy Z
Maybe, but I feel that this might make it far too easy to become a tutor, worsening the schoolhouse platform, as a whole. For anyone that can't pay for these tests, they are almost always able to recieve fee waivers or reductions.
Christopher B
For Computer Science,
That used to be the case where you had to record a video to get certified in CS. For History, it used to just be an application process which could have Self-Report or Social Desirability Bias.
Yoon Ha H
In addition to the financial burden, I support this motion because SATs are held only once a month and APs are held only once a year. Allowing Khan Academy verification can remove the time gap between submissions, and can ease certification traffic by spreading out applications rather than getting a mass of them when the results come out.